I hope you are all well, and pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ. Allowing your faith to grow through action and facing those trials that come your way.

One of the interesting things that happens as we return from serving the Lord, is like everything hits us all at once. Suddenly we’ve gone from focusing purely on everyone else and the Gospel. limited distractions and worries. Plus of course we have the missionary mantle. Strength greater than we could even describe.

But next thing we know, we are chucked the real world. No protection above that which we ourselves choose to keep. Working, Studying, Dating, Living circumstances, and everything that will ultimately lead to our future and where we will end up. It is to be rather blunt. Absolutely terrifying.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.” ~ 2 Nephi 31: 20-21

I love these Verses. Because ultimately it reminds me of the essential thing of keeping perspective. We are Children of God. This life is only a short moment. No matter what happens, what trials come our way. Those things that in the moment feel like everything is crashing down. there is this beautiful truth; God Lives, Jesus is the Christ. They love us. Their church has been restored upon the earth, with all the ordinances essential to our salvation. Including the correct priesthood authority from God to perform these ordinances. So that Families can be together forever! I know this. I will continue to testify of these truths.
Our goal isn’t just to get the next good Job, or have the biggest and best house. It is about refining ourselves and preparing ourselves for the Lord’s kingdom. If that means I have to walk my through the fires of Mt Doom to do so.. so be it. Of course I know what you are thinking right now “one does not simply walk into mordor” well one does not simply walk into exaltation in the celestial kingdom either. But Mordor is a lot more achievable in this state of existence.
Honestly though, learning eternal lessons in this short period of time isn’t designed to be easy. Diamonds only form under extreme pressure and heat for extended time periods. For us this life is short, but the pressure is extreme. We all have our individual limits and capabilities. However we will each be tested time and time again to that which we feel is our breaking point. At times we may feel as though our very being is on the verge of being torn apart. But as we hold strong and rely on the Grace (Enabling power) that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we will find more strength than we knew possible. It doesn’t mean things suddenly become easy or even feel bearable at times. But they become possible.
Through all the years of fighting depression, the enabling power of Jesus Christ (mixed with professional help) is essential to who I am currently, and how I continue to fight and move forward. It is real. we can rely on it! We need to get on our knees and pray Like it is all up to God, then get on our feet and work like it is all up to us! because this involves effort and team work.

So as we return from the mission, we find ourselves again figuring out our way through this mucky reality. Trying to climb and scramble to where we need to be. But the Knowledge that we need to keep the Lord and His will above our own. Apply the things we have learnt and remain who we have become. We are able to do this because of the enabling power that comes from the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
We push forward. We take leaps of faith, in directions that may seem completely insane. We seek to go beyond our comfort zones and reach those things the Lord is preparing for us.
For myself I am currently trying to process in my head the current options I have. Having confirmation I need to branch out of the country to grow, to Learn, and to become more than what I am already. I am currently weighing up between Australia, and the United States of America. funny how things change right?
Between university options and the things that will put me in a better position to do those things the Lord will ask of me. Sometimes finding complete answers and direction, makes me feel like I am running into a brick wall. I wonder if i am doing my part and asking the correct questions with the right desires.
Ultimately I just want to do as the Lord sees fit. But I am an agent I am free to act for myself (Helaman 14: 30-31) he wont Just hand me a gold plate with all the answers. I need to have that desire to do those things and to then seek if it is right. Make those decisions and try for myself to progress. I know that as I continue to press forward, having Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, seeking the Will of my Father in Heaven. Studying the Scriptures, keeping open communication, and serving those around me. I will find my answers. I will see the ways open and He will lead me by the Hand to that which He will have me do!
However whenever things get hard there is a wonderful verse in Hymn 85 “How firm a foundation” verse 5 :

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

These things are here to refine us. The paths we chose, the way we seek the Lord’s will. Our obedience. Our trials and temptations. They are all here as a refiners fire. Things we must walk through. To become the best us we can be.

I love the Lord, I love His gospel. I am so thankful to be a part of it. I pray that we may all be able to seek His ways before our own. That we may be able to progress together back to our Father in Heaven. That we may stand as beacons for Good in these the Last Days.

On Monday We had a YSA Family home evening, typically only two of us were there with our YSA parents. we Played a game out of the Friend magazine about the Apostles. Turns out all of us sucked at placing them correctly. So I think I have some study to do.

Obligatory Pre-Run Selfie

Tuesday is the pouring down with rain all day. So after cleaning the house and doing a little study I headed out on an 11km (6.8 miles) Run around the River. May have got just a little wet. Spent the rest of the day doing the mundane things of life. cleaning, cooking, feeling a little out of place hahaha Of course looking after some of the animals in the weather is always fun. I got a letter from a good friend serving in the Australia Sydney North Mission, Longest letter I have yet received ( Brown Johnny Bravo, Thanks a Bunch)

Wednesday I hit the Gym for the Morning, always a great start to the day. I love listening to conference talks whilst there. I don’t have to listen to the stuff playing on the radio. Plus it is a great time to think… may occasionally lose count of my reps. I then was blessed to have a great phone call with an RM i served with in the New Zealand Wellington Mission. I made some delicious Protein Pancakes, will a home made blueberry sauce. I also made a small loaf of banana bread, just free form. Turned out great. I packed this as dinner for at Institute.

Institute was way better this week. I hung out with a Girl from my YSA before hand for a little bit, then we had Class. The group I was slightly disappointed in the week before walked in 30 minutes late. -deep breaths- I don’t handle people disrespecting our Teachers well. But it was a great lesson. D&C 25, discussing about how we can apply the things the Lord asks of Emma Smith into our own lives.

Thursday We had a break in the rain, so I headed out for a little day hike in waikanae.. may have got a little Lost… what is really kind of sad because the trail is literally right beside the primary school i went to for 8 years. Spent a bit of time with Mumma at the Gym office, introducing myself to people. I also worked on my lesson for YSA on sunday

Friday was literally non stop heavy rain all day, a few small land slides along some of the tracks around the property. . what is causing us to only be able to lead one horse at a time. I literally spent most of the day hiding inside doing a deeper clean, studies, and working on fixing my mission blog (who knows how my mum did some of these things) Also during my night time planning for saturday I found out we had a ysa activity in the evening.. so my daily planning looked like this“The nerve of those Whos. Inviting me down there – and on such short notice. Even if I wanted to go my schedule wouldn’t allow it.
Four o’clock, wallow in self pity;
4:30, stare into the abyss;
5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one.
5:30, jazzercize.
6:30, dinner with me. I can’t cancel that again.
7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing; I’m booked.
Of course, if I bump the loathing to 9 I could still be done in time to lay in bed, stare at the ceiling and slip slowly into madness. But what would I wear?”

(That was for you sister Spainhower)

Saturday:

Cleaning, studies, Hit the Gym again.

Ran some errands, Did a few other mundane life type things, including breathing. made home made Pizzas with Home made bases. SO GOOD! Followed by the YSA activity… and guess what?!?!? 3 of us went!!! we played some card games and watched some rugby.

Sunday:

Well this is the Best day of the week. We had church, with some lovely speakers talking about the Atonement… seriously who doesn’t love a sacrament meeting that is entirely Atonement focused.

YSA lesson went well. we discussed Chapters 36-39 In Alma.. so Alma talking to his sons. Then applying it to ourselves so we can not only follow the example of those righteous influences, But also become as it says in 1 Timothy 4:12 an example of the believers .. in ALL things. Because we all know that EXAMPLE IS OUR GREATEST MESSAGE.

Relief society was all about honesty…A wonderful Principle!

After Church we had a ward lunch, that is always nice. it is freezing and wet so there was lots of Soup.. mm Soup.

we then came home, and for the first time in i think forever i lay down and fell asleep for a bit reading my scriptures.. Now Elders and Sister this is why on page 22 in Preach My gospel… under the Heading “Search, Ponder, and remember”

The second bullet point says “Study at a desk where you can write (not lying down or sitting on your bed), organize your study materials, and remain alert.

I have corrected myself and will not do that again. I then started some letters to people.. planned when would be best to have the Elder and their investigators up for a cottage evening. The sat down with My wonderful parents and made them watch Ephraim’s Rescue… too many tears shed, not enough tissues in this house.

(i’ve typed this out once already to only lose the internet and lose the best paragraph of this email, so this may not be anywhere near is good)

So ultimately it is simple, God loves us, his entire focus is to help us progress and be happy. Because of this He gives us commandments to be safe and to feel joy. He gives us no commandments that we cannot achieve. We even promise to keep the commandment of strengthening one another and serving at baptism. As we align our will with God’s will. My purpose too becomes to help others receive immortality and eternal life in complete happiness. Of course as we act upon this we feel a part of God’s love for the person we serve, a part of His love for us, and pure Joy. Simple.
We are not here to do this alone.

I am just so thankful to have a father in heaven who love us enough to want to see us progress. Who blesses us with more joy and happiness than we can imagine. who gives us Commandments for our protection and happiness.

I know He lives, i feel his presence in my life constantly. Every single day i grow even more thankful for this knowledge.

I hope we are all seeing our purpose for where we are and what we are here to achieve.

It has been crazy and it was the shortest trip of my life to get to my new area. It came way too fast.

It took about 3/4 hours to get to my area. The ride wasn’t bad, it was a little bumpy. However we got food along the way.

I was blessed to speak to a lovely lady from England who was on the same transport as me. She was on her way to visit her brother. She actually was an inactive Jehovah’s witness. Incredibly lovely.

Arriving to my new area was quiet a sight. People were there to greet me, but my companion wasn’t there. so that was strange.

This week has been a massive culture shock for me. The weather has dropped dramatically (17 degree drop Celsius, or 62 in Fahrenheit) It also is raining a lot more in this area.

The Culture is so different, people sound different. they have their own kind of weird messed up accent and I am not sure what they say at times.

I found out within 3 hours of landing in this new area that I have been called to be a no-badge missionary. Crazy right?

SO new area, new culture, No-Badge, No area book, and No companion. Well it looks like I am heading out on and adventure!

I have to get to work, get to studying and Find that companion 😉

Ultimately I am so thankful for my last four areas. It was been a blessing to serve both in Australia and New Zealand.

To meet wonderful people such as yourself, and to learn from you and your example. They never said going on a mission would be easy (I’m sure it is called a mission for a reason) But we know it will be worth it.

The Lord works many miracles as we strive to remain close to him through willing obedience to all that He asks. Obedience is an act of faith, accepting the Lord’s all knowing wisdom over our limited knowledge.

We however can continue to act in faith, striving to become as close to the Lord as we can. Pushing forward everyday giving our all and seeing the miracles that Will come.

mmmm after 14 days of nothing but white rice for food…. and apple was a welcomed treat this week 😀

This wee has been interesting to say the least.
We had zone conference … it was great, and powerful.

we Taught a man in a cave on tuesday evening.

So many spiritual experiences. Awesome moments.

we were meant to go into the city today. but it is pouring down with rain and freezing cold…. by freezing i mean like 30 degrees and lower.
Life is good.

we have the easter fireside this weekend.
so that shall be exciting.

Something I was thinking about this week is:“O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold,if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more” (2 Nephi 9:8).

How because God loves us so much he provided His son, to free us from the other. The plan of salvation and out happiness is central to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The Atonement is his love and mercy to save us all. If it wasn’t to the Atonement the plan would cease to exist and if the plan didn’t exist to help us out of Love, God would cease to be God, therefore we would not be and everything as we know it would be gone.
For The atonement of Jesus Christ is central to All Human History!
to the creation of the world, to our life and the eternities.

Speaking of that wonderful Easter Morning:

When the women came to the tomb, they found it open and empty. The angels had tarried to tell them the greatest news ever to fall on human ears: “He is no there: for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6)

This is the Joyous news, the most important news that has ever been, followed only by the Restoration of the Gospel.

This Easter week, I invite all of you to ponder the importance of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and His great sacrifice for us all.

The Most Important and precious thing I know is, He Lives!
He leads and guides this church. It is that simple. He Lives and I shall lift my voice in praises to my Lord and saviour through who all things were made possible!

If you do not yet know this for yourself, I want you to know I do, and you can too. I invite you to learn, to seek the word of God and experiment upon it in faith. So that you can know of the Joyous thing for yourself.

God lives, I know this.
Jesus is the Christ,
they love you, and because of this they restored their Gospel through the boy Joseph smith! because of Him the priesthood continues in an unbroken line on the Earth today. we have a lving prophet whom i love and sustain!
The book of mormon is the word of God.
They lead and guide this work.
These things I know and could never deny. The name through whom all is made possible, even Jesus Christ, Amen

So I know I have been really slack.
so hopefully all these photos make up for it

I know the really don’t
so yes my area is right outside the city, and as we have reached the end of another transfer I am staying here with sister sunderland.

so this past transfer I left sister Going as she went home and I went to south harbour.
A sad change, I was so blessed to serve alongside an amazing sister for 12 weeks, she is not only a companion and sister but she is literally one of my best friends. I am so thankful for those 12 weeks with her. Crystal if you are reading this I love you!

First part of last transfer I was with sister sol from the Philippines, she was so sweet. sadly though she had to go home for a knee surgery.}

so for the rest of the transfer I was in a trio with the other set of sisters in the flat. sister Bagnos from the Philippines and sister Sunderland from Nottingham England!

these past weeks have been interesting.

But lets just focus on this past week.

Tuesday we had a conference with President Nielsen from the area presidency. It was awesome. The spirit was so strong and the day went crazy fast.
Wednesday we had appointments and went out speaking to people. we went to coogee Beach, They has a juice shop and I got some nice fresh juice in a 2L bottle that I tied to my bad for the rest of the day.

Thursday we went around to see people and did normal stuff.

same with friday.

Saturday However we had an appointment in the city… to arrive there to find out Mardi Gras was on. oops. so everyone was walking about in costumes with Gay pride flags and the city missionaries weren’t even allowed out of their flats. … You Only Serve Once.
whoops.

we had lots of appointments on saturday.

Sunday we has a wonderful sabbath at church and enjoyed the day. After church we had a dinner appointment with a lovely young couple. we made pizzas and celebrated her Birthday.

anyway. hope everyone has a powerful week dont have too long left on here. sorry. otherwise more spiritual details would come.
love you all heaps .

In case you dont understand the Title for the post. Please go translate it 🙂

this past week has been crazy. but great.
I wouldnt even know where to start,

I had trade offs with sister Stigen and got to meet a lot of people.
talked to a lot of people.

Our French artist less active had my companion thinking he wanted to started his own church… and then he started teaching her the Restoration using the pamphlet exactly life we do…. when one of the sisters asked “DO YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN CHURCH?!”
he was all “NO! I want to come back to church”
Man that guy is funny.

we saw one of our investigators change his heart. a true blue miracle. he came on a chapel tour and kept ranting about how God is trying to punish him.
we went to go see him two days later… and he was glowing. He said that he said a prayer before bed, and woke up a changed man. yoou could see the spirit working with him it was beautiful!

he came to church.

today we are going out with some investigators to a nature thing because it is the last preparation day of transfers….
Sister going leaves me next week.
I AM NOT READY FOR THAT!

I have been so blessed to serve alongside such an incredible woman. I love her like crazy.
she is definitely an eternal friend.

Hello everyone!
sorry I haven’t made a post in (a month?)
I have just been busy and Have had no clue what to even say.

Life is great, I love life, I love missionary life, I love Christmas as a missionary, I love serving the Lord…… it is that simple….

Oh we finally have a car it is great, we can see people further out!
we have had some insanely spiritual experiences this past month. almost too many to write down in a short post or period of time.
i am learning so much all of the time.

I am trying my hardest all of the time to be more confident and to serve the Lord with all my Heart, might, mind and strength.

since I last posted we had a great zone conference.
a great Christmas conference.
Temple lights!
christmas itself and many other great adventures!

we made a tent in our lounge for christmas week, was pretty legit (see see some kiwi still in me)
now it is in our bed room and I’ll have to send photos of it next week.

we have become professional at the long train rides. that we dont have to do again.. YAY!
we now have a senior couple in Armidale so that is fantastic.

Dont even get me started on the weird climbing on top of the fridge in the chapel to reset the internets so my companion could skype her family. that was fun.

anyway, I hope you all have a fantastic new year and I love you all heaps.